Grilled Lemon Chicken Thighs

Grilled Lemon Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. The zesty, citrus marinade uses only 3 ingredients (plus a few simple spices) and takes only minutes to mix up. The results are moist chicken thighs with perfect grill marks.

Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs are so versatile and will be a family favorite for the summer! Leftovers keep well so consider making a double batch to have for meal prep throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Lemon Chicken Thighs:

It only takes a few simple ingredients to the flavorful marinade for grilled chicken thighs. Here’s what you need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – you could also use chicken breasts but I love how moist chicken thighs are.
• Fresh Lemons – to use both the zest and juice
• Minced Garlic – fresh is always best, but you can use the pre-minced kind from a jar too.
• Olive Oil
• Spices – Salt and Pepper, Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme

How to Make Boneless Chicken Thighs on the Grill

Even if you’re not a grilling expert, you can totally make grilled chicken! See the instructions below:

1. Marinate Chicken Thighs – In a medium/large bowl, mix together the olive oil, spices, lemon zest and juice, and garlic. Add the whole chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to combine. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes (perfect amount of time to preheat the grill) or up to one hour.
2. Preheat Grill – Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (450-500 degrees F) for direct grilling (ie. the chicken will go directly over the flame).
3. Grill – Grease your grill grates, if desired, with vegetable oil on a paper towel using grilling tongs. Then add the marinated chicken thighs to the grill. Close the grill and grill each side for 4-5 minutes (8-10 minutes total) until fully cooked (internal temperature reads 165 degrees F). Chicken thighs are ready to flip when they easily release from the grill. The excess marinade should be discarded.
4. Serve – Removed cooked chicken from the grill and allow to rest for just a few minutes before serving. I love to give a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs?

It takes about 8-10 minutes to grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Or about 4-5 minutes per side.

How do you grill chicken thighs without burning them?

The key to grilling chicken thighs without burning them is not having your grill too hot. It’s best to cook them on medium Heat (or about 450-500F). This is hot enough to get the pretty grill marks, but not too hot that it burns the chicken before cooking it all the way through.

How do you keep chicken from sticking to the grill?

I like to grease my grill grates right before adding the chicken. I add some canola oil or vegetable oil to a paper towel and use the grilling tongs to carefully grease the grates. But the biggest key to not having food stick when grilling is to not flip the chicken too soon. Once the chicken is cooked on the outside with nice grill marks it will easily release from the grill.

How do you know if grilled chicken is cooked?

The best way to tell if grilled chicken is cooked is to check the internal temperature with a thermometer. Dark meat chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut the chicken to make sure there is no pink and the juices run clear but checking the temperature is the safest option.

Leftovers and Storage

Grilled chicken is a great option for meal prep! Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Ready to Flip – Chicken thighs are ready to flip when they easily release from the grill. If they’re still really stuck on, then give them a little more time.
• Discard Marinade – It’s important to discard any excess marinade as it has been contaminated from the raw chicken.

Serving Ideas:

The serving ideas for grilled chicken thighs are endless! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Rice or Pasta
• On top of a Salad – Grilled chicken is great on or alongside a big salad!
• Grilled Veggies and Potatoes – If the grill is already fired up, you might as well grill some veggies and/or potatoes for a perfect pairing.

More Recipes Using Chicken Thighs

I love how moist chicken thighs are and they are super forgiving and hard to overcook. See some other recipe ideas below:

• Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs – Perfect paired with rice and beans or a southwest-style salad.
• Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet – Crispy chicken thighs with a flavorful, creamy sauce. All made in one skillet for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Slow Cooker Butter Chicken – Rich, saucy, not too spicy, and perfect when you’re in the mood for takeout. Serve with white rice and even naan to satisfy your Indian food craving.

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